I've got the Xmark crow bar and it does the job. They make pretty nice curl bars that are very inexpensive. This one is a popular curl bar of theirs that I haven't used. Its specs are similar to the crow bar, but I think you'd one might be even better. I've had mine for two years and it's pretty perfect for my needs, so I really do recommend it.
If you're looking for a rackable suggestion, I don't have one, but someone else will surely pop up.
Good looking EZ curl bar on amazon in stock. Just ordered one myself.
XMark Olympic Bar EZ Curl Bar (Purchase Bar Only or with Texas Star Weights, Olympic Weights Pair or Set of Texas Star Olympic Weight Plates) XM-3675 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AKLL75U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TzWYEb9QE6BK5
XMARKS site isn't accepting orders but they are regularly dropping stock on amazon instead. I have the 3670 in the mail right now. Looks decent from what I can see. Looks like minimal difference between most of the 367X series. encaps and maybe a few mm of bar thickness. whichever is in stock should be as good as the next EDIT: Looking at the site, the 3670 I bought as nylon bushings, the 3675 has brass bushings. I'm sure someone cares. For a specialty bar I'll probably use for 2 out of every 6 workouts? Meh, not that worried about it.
Not buying a barbell yet. Getting a whole rack for bench + squats will come later, I don't have a ton of space at the moment :/
To your point, decided against spending $200 on the Rogue curl bar, went with this XMark one, looks comparable and has gotten great reviews.
> you can get cheaper dumbbells than the Rogue ones.
Can you make some suggestions? Haven't been able to find any that are significantly cheaper (for reference, a pair of 35LB Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbells is $84).
My first piece of advise would be to shop around before you buy all Rogue. You’ll be able to find some of the things you’re looking for at a much cheaper price with comparable quality. For example, I purchased a solid curl bar on Amazon that works for me just fine; it just needs consistent upkeep to prevent from rusting. You might also be able to save money on the bench. Rogue pricing is outrageous and lots of folks on this sub recommend the rep fitness bench.
My second piece of advise would be on the rack. I have the RML-390C in 30” depth. For squatting inside the rack, I find that it’s just enough space to work and often find myself wishing I would’ve spent the extra $130 for the RML-490. If you can afford the space, that is.
My third thing, and this is just personal experience, is the plates. I purchased the 210lbs colored training bumper plates and, while they’re great, the solid black bumpers would have been just as fine and cheaper.
Curl bar link-
XMark Fitness 28mm Olympic EZ Curl Bar with Medium Knurling, Chrome Sleeves, Brass Bushings, 400 lb. Capacity, Excellent Quality XM-3675-BLACK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AKLL75U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Bch8zbB0FREMF
Bench-
https://www.repfitness.com/strength-equipment/strength-training/benches/rep-fid-adjustable-bench
Hope this helps!
Not the OP, but this X-Mark one for $80 is great. Feels good and spins quietly: https://www.amazon.com/XMark-Fitness-Knurling-Excellent-XM-3675-BLACK/dp/B01AKLL75U
In Starting Strength, Rippetoe gives instructions on his Lying Triceps Extension saying to hold an EZ bar on the in-most angle with the middle bend facing down. Based on his video, though, his bar is different than mine.
Should I be holding my bar in that middle area, or should I hold it (upside down from the above image) on the knurled area?